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More than miles: Four ‘runcation’ destinations for your next travel adventure
By Tessa Crowley | 23 March 2026 | Travel
Whether you’re on a fitness challenge or simply looking for a way to connect with the landscapes as you travel, these remarkable ‘runcation’ routes around the world are certain to help you gain more ground
Fuelled by a renewed appetite for connection and culture, the joy of running goes far beyond fitness as it’s driven by movement, mindfulness, and community connections. Combined with ‘runcation’, a trend towards travel for education and exploration, it’s no wonder voyagers are taking to the trails in droves; quite literally veering off the beaten track to soak up the sights and undiscovered corners of destinations, seeking new vantage points in nature and city streets alike.
Whether there’s a big race on the horizon or you’re simply stretching your legs during your exploration, a running holiday is an easy and energising way to discover a destination. Merging movement with navigation, it’s a sure-fire way to get to grips with a new place, familiarising yourself with its nooks and crannies, discovering its unique beat, absorbing the culture and spotting hidden gems and curious corners worthy of later investigation.
Ready to take your trainers on your next adventure? Consider one of these spots known for their culture, cafes and sprawling vistas – the perfect excuse to pound the pavement.
GRINDELWALD | SWITZERLAND
Towering mountains, crashing waterfalls, and alpine lakes – the Bernese Oberland has it all. At the foot of the Eiger mountain, Grindelwald offers a scenic starting point for those looking for a multi-day excursion in the Swiss Alps. Trace a section of the Via Alpina, following well-groomed trails from one village to the next, and discover a mix of invigorating uphills, switchback trails, and far-reaching views. For the literary-inclined, traverse the nearby valley floor into Lauterbrunnen, to retrace JRR Tolkien’s footsteps and discover his inspiration for Rivendell, the fictional Elven city of Middle-Earth.
Alternatively, mountainous routes offer ever-changing alpine flora and an abundance of wildflowers, with innumerable views and vistas along the way. This region’s restorative aura is unescapable, with fresh air, awe-inspiring panoramas, and the gentle sound of cowbells in the distance a soothing soundtrack to your stay. Up the mountain, traditional huts offer a truly immersive cultural experience, or head to one of the many villages for more luxurious options, spas and wellness experiences.
LOS ANGELES | CALIFORNIA
Imbued with a sense of stardust from the moment you spot the famed film studios, the sprawling City of Angels – renowned for being a driving city – may not be the obvious spot for a “runcation”. But step away from the hustle and bustle of the highway and there are a wealth of spots to explore. In Hollywood, every block is buzzing with the city’s cinematic industry, with towering walls screening studios large and small.
Inland, Griffith Park beckons, offering undulating trails under the famed Hollywood sign, expanses of National Park to the north and the city itself sprawling to the south. Run up to the Griffith Observatory for a quick cultural fix, or wind deeper into the many canyons and trails before heading back along Franklin Avenue to refuel with fresh juice, an array of cuisines, and pop into Counterpoint, which sells vintage vinyl and collectible books. Alternatively, hop in the car and enjoy the drive up the coastal highway to Malibu for a surfer’s paradise, stunning beach views and imposing beachfront houses.
MUNICH | GERMANY
With not a hill in sight, Munich’s pristine city centre and spacious streets makes it a prime location for sightseeing on the run. Mingle with Munich’s well-heeled and impeccably dressed citizens, head to the Old Town and its imposing northern quarter to discover the most exclusive boutiques and hotels, from Rosewood Munich to Baverischer Hof.
Visit the Marienplatz for towering architecture, or trace the paths through the English Garden, for wide open lawns and miles of greenery. For history enthusiasts, bullet holes in the city’s brickwork hark back to its significant past. Take time to stop off at Hofbrauhaus brewery, the city’s most famous beerhall, or one of Munich’s many beer gardens.
COPENHAGEN | DENMARK
With a compact city centre brimming with architecture and history, Denmark’s capital is easily explored on the run. Start at the Citadel fortress for a slice of living military history and to view the city’s famed Little Mermaid bronze statue, before winding your way south through the city’s design district, bursting with museums and galleries. Take in the enchanting rose-filled Rosenhaven gardens and the 17th-century Rosenberg castle, before turning into the city’s winding streets where traditional stores, cafes, and restaurants abound.
For morning runners, a quick refuel stop with pastries and coffee is the perfect post-run sugar hit or, to truly live like a local, head to one of the many harbour and city swim spots. Many offer changing rooms, water quality alerts, and – if that doesn’t tempt you – the promise of sauna to ease aching limbs.
Elsewhere, the city’s famed covered market, Torvehallerne, offers an array of appetising treats and specialty gems or, if the legs allow, a trip up to the winding Rundetaarn round tower offers unparalleled views of the city below.